Evolving on Wedge Issues: A Social Conservative’s Perspective

Republican Platform Under Attack

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14

Although I am not yet over 55, it seems that I have been tagged as one of the old, antiquated Republicans who has not yet evolved on social issues a/k/a wedge issues.

Comments from Facebook following the recent senate district conventions in Texas illustrate the attitude of many of the new activists in the party:

“Younger Republicans, remember, with each passing of an old, major GOP donor we come one step closer to being able to reform our platform to be more palatable to non-activists who would be Republicans.”

“You’re not a white, over 55 person. That’s what I’ve been saying for years. It’s the fundamental flaw with the Republican Party of Texas.”

Or…

“I think the “party” just insists on focusing on losing issues and issues that drive people away. I’m not sure why… there are so many more dire pressing issues to focus on.”

These new “Republicans” do not want our platform to address social issues. Their mantra is “liberty” and their goal is to remove any reference to morality from the Republican Party’s principles.

And, it is not just libertarians who feel this way; libertarians are infiltrating the Tea Party ranks and are promoting the weakening of our socially conservative planks.

While it is very true that there are alarming and major problems with economic policy and foreign policy, the GOP’s conservative positions on social policy are essential to the conservative base.

The buzzword among social liberals, especially homosexual activists, is “evolution,” as in “voters are evolving” on homosexual marriage, drug legalization, and traditional values.

If you are not evolving, in their view, then you are holding the Republican Party back, you are responsible for alienating voters, and even worse, you are ignorant.

A recent Tea Party candidate tweeted the following remarks regarding social issues:

“Social issues are not Constitutional issues,” and “What page of the Constitution is homosexuality on? I must have missed that one.”

Social conservatives are under attack, and these activists, who either do not believe in basic conservative values, or who say they believe as we do but yet want these principles removed from our platform, are hoodwinking many.

It is imperative that conservatives stand strong for the traditional principles set forth in our platform if we hope to win the presidency in 2016.

As Winston Churchill said, “You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”

For those who disparage social conservatives, they should understand that without the conservative vote, no Republican candidate could win an election.

And as for those folks who are over the age of 55:

Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?